27th Jan 2010
As we start counting the days few weeks ago, finally the day has arrived. Today is the day when B has to leave to Moscow for a project posting for at least 6 months. I pray and hope that everything will go smoothly for him.
28th Jan 2010
Toy Fair 2010 was held at the Kensington Olympia for 3 consecutive days from the 26th-28th Jan. I was assigned to go today as one of the demonstrators. I had so much fun that I stayed on till about 7pm, assisting my other colleagues to unpack and dismantle the toys at the end of the day. Well, I saw some of my colleagues got sick due to the stress and hard work, I can't bring myself to go home earlier than that without providing a helping hand. Therefore, I chose to stay for a while and relieved them wherever I could. I then left to Westfield to meet LY and D for a meetup dinner at 'The Greek'. She printed a voucher, hence we've got a good price for such an authentic and yummy Greek food. We chatted and catched up on things, which was really nice.
30th Jan 2010
After the gym, I tagged along with F to assist another Malaysian friend to move house. Initially I thought it was a girl, having to pitifully move all by herself, hence I volunteered to help out. Later I found out that it was a guy and he has a few other friends who were already helping. Hence, because we were so late that eventually by the time we have reached there at about 6pm, they have basically finished moving. We only did the thrash and dishes, nothing major really. After that, we joined them for dinner at a Thai restaurant. The ambience of the place is really original, food was good, the company was really nice, funny and friendly. I had a great time chatting with them.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that we went to the Mast House Terrace and left from Canary Wharf by ferry. F has always wanted to take the ferry to Greenwich for experience sake but we never realized the plan. Today, unexpectedly without any prior plans, due to the closure of the Jubilee Line, we have no choice but to take the ferry all the way from Waterloo to Greenwich (because we've missed the stop but turned back to L's place at MHT). They say, some of the best things happen when you least expected it. As I always tell my friends, don't plan or expect much, just follow your heart and go with the flow. Haa, these sayings somehow fit perfectly in today's events.
Honestly, it was really a cool experience, albeit the cold weather and a bit pricey tickets. I did enjoy myself with the delicious food, pleasant rides, nice London night views, and most importantly having shared all these with a bunch of great people. Thanks F for organizing this!
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Sunday, 24 January 2010
January's cultural highlights
12th Jan - Barbershopera II
I won two tickets to the Barbershopera II. We went to watch the musical comedy, with the very least expectations. To our surprise, it was really good; very original, delightful and certainly entertaining.
17th Jan - A guided tour at the National Gallery
This event was organized by the All Souls church and we've managed to register for two places. F, a very knowledgable tour guide, gave us an impressive and detailed explanation on each of the Christians and Secular paintings. It was really interesting at least for me, as I believe that should I have just gone alone without a guide, I would never have appreciated the paintings like I did on that day.
22nd Jan - Cirque de Soleil- "Varikei" at Royal Albert Hall
My company has extra tickets for this event. K and I wanted the tickets, and somehow, throughout the discussions, the PA to the CEO left the tickets to me. It was a nice treat for us. I have heard about the event, but not until I have researched and watched the trailer online, did I really know what it was all about. It was a modern version of a circus. When I was a kid, my mum used to bring us to an outdoor circus. I would say it was in a medium tent with some clowns, acrobats, animals performing some acts. Now, " Varikei", the 21st century circus is held in a pretigious place i.e the Royal Albert Hall made it a very classy event.
The performers were in colourful costumes and the exotic 'Georgian' music never failed to impress me. The acrobats were very flexible which actually proved their genuine talent. However, some of the performances were a bit overwhelming, for instance the stunt at the end of the performance which made our heart beat faster than we anticipated. Or perhaps we are getting older. ;)) Either way, overall it was a good performance and exposure. I would say that perhaps it is a once in a lifetime kinda experience in one's checklist, if you know what I mean.
23rd Jan - John Madejski Fine Rooms Gallery Tour
We felt really privilege to be able to join this tour. The tour guide was very informative as he is a very seasoned and experienced Royal Academy of Arts academician, who actually took some time out to give us a good 1.5 hours tour. We were given a brief explanation about the Burlington House coutyard, Royal Academy of Arts and its influential academicians. The highlights of the tour in my opinion is actually the John Medejski Fine Rooms and the paintings in the rooms per se. The rooms are not usually open for the public, but only for guided tours which are held once a day. Hence, we felt fortunate to be able to join this tour.
The original sculpture by Michaelangelo of the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist and Baby Jesus capped the tour memorably. The unfinished sculpture left me leaving the venue with thoughts and desire to learn more. As recommended by the tour guide himself, it would be really interesting to go for the same tour but run by another tour guide, just to have another perspective of looking at the same things. I earnestly second that.
I won two tickets to the Barbershopera II. We went to watch the musical comedy, with the very least expectations. To our surprise, it was really good; very original, delightful and certainly entertaining.
17th Jan - A guided tour at the National Gallery
This event was organized by the All Souls church and we've managed to register for two places. F, a very knowledgable tour guide, gave us an impressive and detailed explanation on each of the Christians and Secular paintings. It was really interesting at least for me, as I believe that should I have just gone alone without a guide, I would never have appreciated the paintings like I did on that day.
22nd Jan - Cirque de Soleil- "Varikei" at Royal Albert Hall
My company has extra tickets for this event. K and I wanted the tickets, and somehow, throughout the discussions, the PA to the CEO left the tickets to me. It was a nice treat for us. I have heard about the event, but not until I have researched and watched the trailer online, did I really know what it was all about. It was a modern version of a circus. When I was a kid, my mum used to bring us to an outdoor circus. I would say it was in a medium tent with some clowns, acrobats, animals performing some acts. Now, " Varikei", the 21st century circus is held in a pretigious place i.e the Royal Albert Hall made it a very classy event.
The performers were in colourful costumes and the exotic 'Georgian' music never failed to impress me. The acrobats were very flexible which actually proved their genuine talent. However, some of the performances were a bit overwhelming, for instance the stunt at the end of the performance which made our heart beat faster than we anticipated. Or perhaps we are getting older. ;)) Either way, overall it was a good performance and exposure. I would say that perhaps it is a once in a lifetime kinda experience in one's checklist, if you know what I mean.
23rd Jan - John Madejski Fine Rooms Gallery Tour
We felt really privilege to be able to join this tour. The tour guide was very informative as he is a very seasoned and experienced Royal Academy of Arts academician, who actually took some time out to give us a good 1.5 hours tour. We were given a brief explanation about the Burlington House coutyard, Royal Academy of Arts and its influential academicians. The highlights of the tour in my opinion is actually the John Medejski Fine Rooms and the paintings in the rooms per se. The rooms are not usually open for the public, but only for guided tours which are held once a day. Hence, we felt fortunate to be able to join this tour.
The original sculpture by Michaelangelo of the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist and Baby Jesus capped the tour memorably. The unfinished sculpture left me leaving the venue with thoughts and desire to learn more. As recommended by the tour guide himself, it would be really interesting to go for the same tour but run by another tour guide, just to have another perspective of looking at the same things. I earnestly second that.
Friday, 1 January 2010
Farewell to The Noughties
11th Dec 2009- Flair Christmas Do
I had a great time celebrating one of the most memorable Christmas parties in Europe with my colleagues. The company organized the party so that we can get together, have a nice chat while savoring the delicious three course dinner in a luxury mansion with disco and free flow of alcoholic drinks. It was no wonder almost none of my colleagues drove to the event as they were expecting to get drunk. As a matter of fact, cabs were arranged by our nice office manager to take us home! What a treat!
12th-23rd Dec 2009 – Countdown to the festive holidays
In the midst of our busy work schedule, we have tried to squeeze some time enjoying the London Christmas Lights at the city high streets namely Oxford, Regent and Carnaby Street. Additionally, the visits to the Christmas markets at the Oxford Street and South bank, the views of the white snow settling peacefully on the roofs and roads out of my office and train windows, getting presents from Secret Santa, the flickering Christmas tree on the below right corner of my PC, the visit to the ice skating rink ; all these have nonetheless brought up the festive mood deliberately and splendidly. We felt Christmassy! Woo hoo…
24th Dec 2009 – Christmas Home Party
A day after the start of my long holiday break, we went to A’s place in North London for a Christmas party. We met some of her friends and her bf’s friends. It was quite a cool gathering. A couple with their very even tempered baby caught my attention. The Americans who served the States came all the way to London for their baby birth. I reckon with their experiences in Algeria, somehow their appreciation of (family) life thriftiness and wisdom has left me with much thoughts and admiration.
25th Dec 2009 – A relaxing day
It’s Christmas day! Despite the many shutdowns of the shops,restaurants and businesses in London, the Christmas day was well spent while staying at home, cooking and watching good movies.
26th-27th Dec 2009 - Shopping
The bargains during the Boxing Day in London were surprisingly good. We went shopping for the whole day on the 26th but the day was just too short and we’ve decided to go for another day on the 27th. We have bought a dress, some Christmas presents and were still hunting for shoes. We’ll just have to leave that for another time. We then went to the Carol Service at the All Souls and met N & J. Although tired, we ended the day with much satisfaction.
28th Dec 2009 – Tango Duo & Landscape Photographer ’09
We went for a stroll at the South bank with the intention of watching the Tango Duo concert at the National Theatre. As the name clearly states Tango-Duo; it is a performance of the voice and piano ensemble of tango songs. The performance was led by the Columbian singer, Monica Acosta. Both the singer and pianist were really talented. The whole concert with the tango dancers below the stage was brilliant!
Prior and after the performance, we left to appreciate the stunning natural beauty and diversity of Britain's landscapes culminated through the spectacular photographs exhibited at the same venue. The annual Landscape Photograher of the Year 2009 Awards was simply splendid. Some of the photos were so good beyond words, continuously reminding us of our responsibilities as humankind to preserve these precious treasures. We left the National Theatre, feeling artistically contended.
29th Dec 2009 – Books and Food
We went to explore a new library near our place and borrow some good books for the holidays. Despite being caught in the heavy rain, we went to the Borough Market for some fresh vegetables and food to last us till this decade.
30th Dec 2009 – Muffins baking
I have made my very first attempt of baking muffins. The first round was the blackcurrant muffin, although we have actually googgled for the blackberry muffin recipe. The thing was that we did not have fresh blackberries or fresh grapes. We’d used blackcurrant jam instead.:) To our surprise, the muffins turned out good and guess what? We ended up with not only blackcurrant muffins but also banana and prune muffins; all slightly tailored to our own recipes and taste.:)
31st Dec 2009 – Ballet, Dumpling and Fireworks
We wanted to end the decade with good memories. I’ve booked us tickets to ‘The Nutcracker’ ballet in London. It was really good- delightful and fun. A definitely good entertainment for the holiday season and a different way of ending the decade.
After shopping for awhile, we went home to indulge ourselves with hot dumpling soup and peanut dessert; getting ourselves warmed up before the fireworks at the London Eye.
Half an a hour before the clock strike twelve, we headed to the Southbank, squeezed among the crowd to get a good spot for the final countdown.
3,2,1...Voila!!! Fireworks light up the skyline. People were singing, dancing, drinking, hugging, laughing and wishing each other a great new year. Out of the blue, for a few minutes, it was snowing . There was an air of excitement, perhaps also amazement. The atmosphere was pleasing and merry. A full moon lighten up the sky as we walked home, grinning happily. Ahhh, what a pleasant way to usher the new year!
Have a blessed 2010, everyone!!!
I had a great time celebrating one of the most memorable Christmas parties in Europe with my colleagues. The company organized the party so that we can get together, have a nice chat while savoring the delicious three course dinner in a luxury mansion with disco and free flow of alcoholic drinks. It was no wonder almost none of my colleagues drove to the event as they were expecting to get drunk. As a matter of fact, cabs were arranged by our nice office manager to take us home! What a treat!
12th-23rd Dec 2009 – Countdown to the festive holidays
In the midst of our busy work schedule, we have tried to squeeze some time enjoying the London Christmas Lights at the city high streets namely Oxford, Regent and Carnaby Street. Additionally, the visits to the Christmas markets at the Oxford Street and South bank, the views of the white snow settling peacefully on the roofs and roads out of my office and train windows, getting presents from Secret Santa, the flickering Christmas tree on the below right corner of my PC, the visit to the ice skating rink ; all these have nonetheless brought up the festive mood deliberately and splendidly. We felt Christmassy! Woo hoo…
24th Dec 2009 – Christmas Home Party
A day after the start of my long holiday break, we went to A’s place in North London for a Christmas party. We met some of her friends and her bf’s friends. It was quite a cool gathering. A couple with their very even tempered baby caught my attention. The Americans who served the States came all the way to London for their baby birth. I reckon with their experiences in Algeria, somehow their appreciation of (family) life thriftiness and wisdom has left me with much thoughts and admiration.
25th Dec 2009 – A relaxing day
It’s Christmas day! Despite the many shutdowns of the shops,restaurants and businesses in London, the Christmas day was well spent while staying at home, cooking and watching good movies.
26th-27th Dec 2009 - Shopping
The bargains during the Boxing Day in London were surprisingly good. We went shopping for the whole day on the 26th but the day was just too short and we’ve decided to go for another day on the 27th. We have bought a dress, some Christmas presents and were still hunting for shoes. We’ll just have to leave that for another time. We then went to the Carol Service at the All Souls and met N & J. Although tired, we ended the day with much satisfaction.
28th Dec 2009 – Tango Duo & Landscape Photographer ’09
We went for a stroll at the South bank with the intention of watching the Tango Duo concert at the National Theatre. As the name clearly states Tango-Duo; it is a performance of the voice and piano ensemble of tango songs. The performance was led by the Columbian singer, Monica Acosta. Both the singer and pianist were really talented. The whole concert with the tango dancers below the stage was brilliant!
Prior and after the performance, we left to appreciate the stunning natural beauty and diversity of Britain's landscapes culminated through the spectacular photographs exhibited at the same venue. The annual Landscape Photograher of the Year 2009 Awards was simply splendid. Some of the photos were so good beyond words, continuously reminding us of our responsibilities as humankind to preserve these precious treasures. We left the National Theatre, feeling artistically contended.
29th Dec 2009 – Books and Food
We went to explore a new library near our place and borrow some good books for the holidays. Despite being caught in the heavy rain, we went to the Borough Market for some fresh vegetables and food to last us till this decade.
30th Dec 2009 – Muffins baking
I have made my very first attempt of baking muffins. The first round was the blackcurrant muffin, although we have actually googgled for the blackberry muffin recipe. The thing was that we did not have fresh blackberries or fresh grapes. We’d used blackcurrant jam instead.:) To our surprise, the muffins turned out good and guess what? We ended up with not only blackcurrant muffins but also banana and prune muffins; all slightly tailored to our own recipes and taste.:)
31st Dec 2009 – Ballet, Dumpling and Fireworks
We wanted to end the decade with good memories. I’ve booked us tickets to ‘The Nutcracker’ ballet in London. It was really good- delightful and fun. A definitely good entertainment for the holiday season and a different way of ending the decade.
After shopping for awhile, we went home to indulge ourselves with hot dumpling soup and peanut dessert; getting ourselves warmed up before the fireworks at the London Eye.
Half an a hour before the clock strike twelve, we headed to the Southbank, squeezed among the crowd to get a good spot for the final countdown.
3,2,1...Voila!!! Fireworks light up the skyline. People were singing, dancing, drinking, hugging, laughing and wishing each other a great new year. Out of the blue, for a few minutes, it was snowing . There was an air of excitement, perhaps also amazement. The atmosphere was pleasing and merry. A full moon lighten up the sky as we walked home, grinning happily. Ahhh, what a pleasant way to usher the new year!
Have a blessed 2010, everyone!!!
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